Sohar 2 and Barka 3 to add more than 1500MW to Oman’s power grid

Monday, 15 April 2013 08:39

The two power plants are expected to add over 1500MW power to Oman's grid and meet steep power demands in summers. (Image source: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino/Flickr)Omani power plants Sohar 2 and Barka 3 will soon start commercial operations adding 744MW each to the country’s grid

The operators of Sohar 2 and Barka 3 independent power plants have announced that both facilities have been equipped to meet peak summer demands.

Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) will be the sole off-taker of the power sold by both project firms as part of two 15-year power purchase contracts.

Both power firms are owned by a consortium made up of GDF SUEZ with 46 per cent interest, part of Suhail Bahwan Group having a 22 per cent interest, Sojitz Corporation and Shikoku Power with 11 per cent interest each and the Public Authority for Social Insurance having a 10 per cent interest.

Both power sites are gas-fired combined cycle gas turbine plants with an identical 744MW output capacity. Construction on the plants was started in 2010, with a consortium of Siemens and GS Engineering & Construction as EPC contractors.

The sites will now by operated and maintained by Suez-Tractebel Operation and Maintenance Oman LLC.

GDF SUEZ Energy Middle East CEO and president Shankar Krishnamoorthy said, “For more than 15 years GDF SUEZ has been a reliable supplier of power and water to the people of Oman. This has allowed us to build a strong relationship of trust and respect with the country.”